###Chapter 5: A New Beginning

Five years had passed since Arie had learned everything he could from the ancient books. Standing on a grassy hill under the evening sky, he thought to himself, "I've learned all I can here. If I want to keep growing, I need to find an academy." His gaze rested on the distant mountains, behind which lay Astraven—a city known for its academy that welcomed anyone who sought knowledge, whether noble or commoner. Determined, he packed his few belongings and set off the next morning, heading toward this famous city.

The journey was long and tiring, taking him through winding forests, open fields, and rocky paths. After weeks of travel, he finally reached the gates of Astraven. The city's high stone walls loomed above him, and the gates were busy with people coming and going—merchants, travelers, and adventurers, each focused on their own lives.

Arie felt a mix of excitement and nerves. This is it—the start of a new chapter, he thought. But as he approached the gate, a guard stepped forward, blocking his path.

"Hold on there, lad," the guard said, eyeing Arie's worn clothes and empty coin pouch. "You'll need a pass or a fee to enter Astraven."

Arie's heart sank. "I... don't have any money with me," he admitted.

The guard shook his head. "Sorry pal, no fee no entry."

Disappointed, Arie took a step back, wondering if he'd have to find work just to enter the city. Just then, the sound of horses and creaking wheels filled the air, and a royal carriage approached, flanked by guards. Inside sat the king, a serious-looking man with silver hair, and beside him, a young princess with a gentle and pretty face.

The king glanced briefly at Arie, his face stern. "This is a city of rules. Rules exist for a reason."

The king was about to ignore Arie. But the princess leaned toward her father. "Father" the princess said.

After a moment, the king sighed. "Very well." With a nod to the guards, he waved Arie through. "Let this boy pass."

Arie's heart lifted. As he passed the carriage, he gave the princess a grateful nod and said "Thank you so much your highness" . She smiled and waved back, her kindness shining through her royal duties. I'll repay her one day, he promised silently, feeling a warmth he hadn't felt in years.

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Inside Astraven, the city was as lively as he had imagined. Stalls lined the streets, selling spices, jewelry, and strange trinkets. The air was filled with the hum of voices, laughter, and the occasional tune from a street musician. But Arie's excitement was dampened by a problem: he had nowhere to stay. With no money for an inn, he wandered through the streets, hoping to find some way to earn a place to stay.

As he walked past the town square, his eyes fell on a large poster on a stone wall. It read, "Whoever defeats the boss on Floor 10 will be granted a small house."

Arie's heart raced. A house… that's exactly what I need! Eagerly, he made his way to a nearby building—the guild. It was where adventurers came to sign up for tasks, form parties, and explore the dungeon.

Inside, the guild was alive with activity. Adventurers sat at tables, trading stories, while others studied maps pinned to the walls. The air smelled of leather, steel, and the faint scent of ale. Arie approached the reception desk, where a young woman with braided hair gave him a curious look.

"Hello! How can I help you?" she asked.

"I saw the poster outside," Arie said. "About the house… I'd like to try for it."

The receptionist blinked, surprised. She looked him over carefully. He seemed young, maybe inexperienced, and he didn't have the boldness she usually saw in adventurers eager for a challenge. "You do know that to enter the dungeon, you have to be a registered adventurer, right?"

"Oh," Arie said, pausing. "How… how do I become an adventurer?"

She handed him a form. "Just fill this out."

Arie filled it out quickly and handed it back. She stamped it, nodding. "Congratulations, Arie. You're now an official adventurer."

A small smile crossed his face, but before he could turn to leave, she stopped him. "The dungeon isn't something you should face alone, especially not the tenth floor. Adventurers usually form parties to make it safer, especially when you're taking on a floor boss."

Arie nodded, though he had no plan to wait around. I'll do this alone, he thought, determined. Thanking her, he moved toward the dungeon entrance located at the back of the guild.

The receptionist watched him go, worry creasing her brow. Most solo attempts in the dungeon didn't end well, especially on higher floors. She called after him. "Wait!" She pulled him aside, giving him a rough map and a few quick tips. She explained the layout, the monsters, and some traps on each floor. "And remember," she said, "the tenth floor boss is a powerful creature. Be careful."

Arie listened closely, his mind racing with ideas and plans. "Thank you," he said, giving her a nod of gratitude before he turned toward the dungeon's dark entrance.

As he disappeared into the shadows, the receptionist's worry grew. She motioned to two nearby adventurers, both skilled fighters. "Follow him. Make sure he doesn't get himself hurt. But don't step in unless he's in real trouble."

The two men nodded, setting off to follow him, their steps soon lost in the quiet of the dungeon's stone halls.

###The Dungeon

Meanwhile, Arie walked down into the dungeon, his footsteps echoing in the darkness. Flickering torches lit the walls, casting strange shadows on the stone. Every few steps, he paused, listening carefully, ready for anything. The dungeon was a maze, filled with some traps creatures that lurked in the dark. But Arie's focus didn't waver; he moved smoothly, his eyes sharp and his senses on high alert.

On the fifth floor, he faced his first real challenge—a pack of shadow hounds waiting in the dim light, their eyes glowing. Arie steadied himself, his heart pounding but his mind calm. With that considered, he unleashed his technique a slime appeared ouy of his cloak and can turn into sharp weapons, and slicing through them like it was butter, he easily took them down, his actions precise and controlled, while the two men, was left speechless. Each battle made his heart race, but he kept his calm and pressed on.

The dungeon went on, floor after floor, each harder than the last. But Arie kept moving, his strength and resolve pushing him forward.

The two adventurers followed from a distance, watching as he fought his way through, both surprised by his skill. As they neared the tenth floor, one turned to the other, respect in his voice. "Maybe… he actually can do it."

At last, Arie reached the tenth floor. Before him was the boss's lair—a wide, open room filled with a thick, heavy feeling in the air. Taking a deep breath, he stepped forward, ready to face his toughest challenge yet.